If you’ve ever looked at your American Express Membership Rewards balance and thought, “I wish this were cash instead of points,” you’re not alone. Many cardholders wonder how to sell American Express points because while those points are incredibly versatile, they don’t exactly pay the rent or buy your groceries directly.

Here’s the twist: you can’t technically sell them through Amex itself. Their terms and conditions are as strict as a high school math teacher who doesn’t allow calculators. But the good news? There are both official and unofficial ways to turn your points into cash (or near-cash value) without wasting their potential.

In this guide, we’ll explore every method, from Amex-approved options to alternative ways savvy travelers and everyday users unlock real money from their points.

Why You Can’t Directly Sell Amex Points

Let’s start with the basics. American Express doesn’t allow cardholders to transfer or sell their points for cash outright. Unlike airline miles that sometimes change hands, Amex points are tied to you. Think of them as a loyal pet—they stay in your account, and technically, they’re not “yours” to sell.

That said, there are clever workarounds that let you convert Amex points into usable value, effectively creating the same outcome as selling them.

Official Amex Redemption Options (Indirect Cash-Out Methods)

Charles Schwab Platinum Card Workaround

If you hold the Amex Platinum Card for Schwab, congratulations—you have one of the most efficient ways to cash out. Points can be transferred into your Schwab brokerage account:

• First 1,000,000 points per year = 1.1 cents per point
• After that = 0.8 cents per point

For heavy earners, this is a secure and straightforward method. It’s like having a built-in currency exchange, except without the long airport lines.

Statement Credits

The simplest option: redeem points to offset charges on your card. The catch? Amex usually values points at about 0.6 cents each here. In other words, it’s like selling a $100 item on Craigslist for $60—easy, but not the best return.

Pay with Points at Checkout

Ever seen that little “Pay with Points” option on Amazon, Best Buy, or PayPal? This lets you cover purchases with Amex points. The value averages 0.7 cents per point, which is slightly better than statement credits. Convenient? Absolutely. Profitable? Not exactly.

Gift Cards

Amex lets you redeem points for gift cards across hundreds of retailers. Depending on the brand, values range from 0.5 cents (Amex gift cards) to around 0.85 cents (Apple gift cards). Not bad if you were already planning to shop, but don’t expect life-changing ROI.

Amex Travel Portal

Redeem points directly for flights, hotels, or car rentals. Here, points are worth roughly 1 cent each, which is a solid middle ground. Easy, convenient, but still not maximum potential.

Maximizing Value with Travel Partners

If you have ever been in touch with frequent flyer forums, you usually find the Amex awards made interesting when points are transferred to airlines and hotels. This is the best way to maximize points’ worth; these trades may sometimes realize 2-3 cents a piece per point value or higher.

Examples:

• Transfer to ANA or Virgin Atlantic for premium flights to Asia or Europe.
• Move points to Marriott or Hilton for luxury hotel stays.

Here’s where your 100,000 points could suddenly feel like 200,000 in value. The downside? It requires research, award seat availability, and sometimes nerves of steel when hunting for that elusive business-class ticket.

Alternative Marketplaces: Selling Points for Cash

Now, let’s talk about the elephant in the room—third-party buyers. While Amex won’t let you sell points directly, point-buying companies exist that will purchase your Membership Rewards in exchange for cash.

How it usually works:

1. You get a quote based on how many points you have.
2. Your balance is verified.
3. You approve the sale.
4. Payment (often via PayPal or direct deposit) arrives quickly.

It’s essentially the closest way to truly sell American Express points. Rates vary depending on demand, but this option offers cash in hand without having to book any flights or hunt for a bargain. The main point: only deal with trusted and bona fide buyers; otherwise, it is like meeting a stranger in a dark alley to sell him your vintage watch.

Pros and Cons of Each Method

• Charles Schwab redemption: High-value, safe, but limited to Schwab cardholders.
• Statement credits: Quick and easy, but low value.
• Checkout with points: Convenient, moderate value.
• Gift cards: Useful if you shop at select retailers, but inconsistent rates.
• Travel partners: Best for maximizing value, requires effort and planning.
• Third-party buyers: Fastest way to actually sell Amex points for cash, but choose your buyer wisely.

Key Considerations Before Selling Points

• Compare values—don’t rush into the first option.
• Check for bonuses—transfer promotions can increase value.
• Beware of devaluations—point programs can change redemption rules overnight.
• Decide your goal—do you want convenience (cash now) or maximum travel perks?

The Smart Approach to Selling Amex Points

So, how to sell American Express points? The honest answer is: directly, you can’t. But indirectly, you have plenty of tools at your disposal-from official Amex ways such as Schwab redemptions to high-valued travel transfers, and even through trusted point-buying markets.

The best option depends on whether you prioritize luxury travel, convenience, or growing your budget. One thing’s for sure: those points are too valuable to let sit idle.

How We Can Help You Sell Amex Points

At CashForMyMiles, we make the process simple, safe, and fast. If you’re ready to sell Amex points, our team offers competitive rates and instant payouts—so you don’t have to stress about redemption values or airline availability. Turn your Membership Rewards into real cash today, and enjoy financial freedom without the fine print.